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Fresh Ebola outbreak kills 65 in DR Congo, 246 cases reported
A deadly Ebola virus outbreak has killed 65 persons in Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to health authorities on Friday, the outbreak was confirmed in eastern Congo.
246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, as the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) said in a statement that “four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases.”
“Ebola Virus Disease outbreak confirmed in Ituri Province.
“Africa CDC is closely monitoring the situation and convening an urgent high-level coordination meeting today with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and outbreak response efforts,” the center said.
It further expressed concerns over the high risk of further spread due to the urban settings of Rwampara and Bunia, and mining activities in Mongwalu.
Dr Jean Kaseya, the health agency’s executive director, stated that population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries highlights the importance of a regional co-ordination.
Affected communities and risk-prone areas have been admonished to follow the guidelines of health authorities.
Ebola, a deadly viral disease which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure, was first identified in 1976, and thought to have been transmitted from bats.
About 15,000 people in Africa have lost their lives to the disease in the past 50 years. The deadliest outbreak in DR Congo which claimed the lives of 2,300 victims, was recorded between 2018 and 2020.
